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In vitro activity of cysteamine against SARS-CoV-2 variants
Jess Thoene1, Robert F Gavin2, Aaron Towne3
1Division of Pediatric Genetics, University of Michigan, United States of America.
Molecular Genetics and Metabolism
|September 17, 2022
Summary
Cysteamine hydrochloride shows broad antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron. This FDA-approved drug, safe for chronic use, could be a nasal treatment to mitigate infection and limit contagion.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The global COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is complicated by emerging variants that challenge vaccine efficacy.
- Current vaccines are less effective against breakthrough infections and transmission, necessitating alternative countermeasures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of cysteamine hydrochloride against various SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- To assess the potential of cysteamine hydrochloride as a nasal treatment for COVID-19 prevention and mitigation.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of cysteamine hydrochloride's inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Testing against wild type, alpha, beta, gamma, delta, lambda, and omicron variants in a Vero cell line.
Main Results:
- Cysteamine hydrochloride demonstrated effective inhibition of all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, including major emergent strains.
- The drug is well-tolerated and FDA-approved for chronic use at concentrations significantly higher than those required for antiviral activity.
Conclusions:
- Cysteamine hydrochloride exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro.
- Topical nasal application of cysteamine could serve as a strategy to mitigate existing infections, prevent new ones, and reduce transmission.
